The latest update on the Kruger National Park floods today (February 14) reports that its disaster management teams remain on high alert as the rainfall continues in the park.
The rivers, such as Crocodile and Sabie, running through the park are flowing very strongly. The Sabie River close to the Paul Kruger Gate is being closely watched as the water flow is fluctuating.
Another river that is being closely monitored is the Msimuku close to Delaporte Dam.
“All tar roads are open, although some of them might be closed at short intervals if deemed unsafe. This is due to the fact that some of the streams rise and low-level bridges are flooded (and the water levels go down after a few hours) when we experience flash floods. Visitors are advised to be extra cautious, especially when approaching bridges,” said KNP Managing Executive, Oscar Mthimkhulu.
The latest status of camps, roads and other facilities in the park is as follows:
- Gravel roads in the south remain closed.
- All tar roads in the park are open, except the main road between Skukuza and Lower Sabie.
- Talamati and Biyamiti Bush Camps are closed.
- Balule is closed.
- Sable Hide is closed.
- Shimuwini, Bateleur and Sirheni Bush Camps are open.
- All rest camps are operational except Crocodile Bridge and Lower Sabie.
- All entrance gates except Crocodile Bridge are open.
- The restrooms at Tshokwane are currently out of order.
- Skukuza Airport is operating but passengers are advised to contact their lodges to get information before flying to Skukuza. The airport is currently processing passengers to and from the airport via Kruger Shalati Bridge, and all transfer companies, lodge representatives, car hire should pick up and drop off in the Skukuza Day Visitors Site which is adjacent to the train/bridge because the Sabie low-level bridge is currently flooded.
Fake reports circulating on social media
Isaac Phaahla, KNP GM: Communications and Marketing confirmed to Tourism Update that recent reports circulating on social media regarding the closure of the entire KNP are fake.
Reports of all vehicles in the park being asked to leave and news that all tar roads in the south of the park are closed, are also false.
National state of disaster declared
Following recent heavy rain across the country, the South African Government declared a National State of Disaster last night to enable an intensive and co-ordinated response to the impact of floods that are affecting Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo, the Northern Cape and North West provinces.
A national disaster can be declared by the Minster of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs where disastrous events occur or threaten to occur in more than one province.
The National Disaster Management Centre continues to monitor and co-ordinate response and recovery measures by the relevant organs of state and stakeholders.
